Canastota High School - Toot Yearbook (Canastota, NY)

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BOARD OF EDUCATION Around the table: .Mrs. John H. Sullivan, Donald M. Shuler, Bernard J. Fisher, Dr. George S. Pix- ley, Walter G. Clifford, M.vron B. Smith, Earl I.. Johnson. James L. Bowman, Joseph A. Waldo, John F. Robertson. We, the Class of 1953, would like to take this opportunity to express our thanks and appreciation to the board of education. If it were not for their splendid work and cooper- ation, our four years in high school would not have been so rewarding and successful. The added efforts on their part made possible the building of our new grade schools on Roberts and High Streets such a great success. Amid the difficulties in obtaining materials and the inconveniences incurred by union strikes, they strove to keep the project running smoothly. They are to be congrat- ulated on all their works in the opening of these two new schools. paRe jive

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EDITORIAL When we think back over our high school days a few years from now, we may not remember formulas and declensions, but we will certainly recall the activities in which we participated. It’s true that everyone at- tends school primarily for “book learning”, but school is also intended to make us into well-rounded young adults. Studying is fine, but it alone is not enough to develop a ma- ture person. I would suggest that freshmen be in- formed upon entering high school, of all the different clubs and activities, and that it be mandatory for every person to join at least one. It is difficult to become interested and active in a group if you join it late in high school. For one thing, older members are a- head of you, and for another, you don’t have the necessary knowledge or experience. As things stand now, there really isn’t room for a great many new members in the various organizations. To accommodate more, it would be necessary to split groups like the Photo, Science, and Dramatic clubs, into a junior and senior organization. These activities require certain skills which could be learned in the beginner’s club, leaving the advanced ones free to attempt more difficult projects. The sports, debate, language, and music organizations, could handle many more members, I believe, if they continued as they are. The objection usually raised by parents and teachers is that students already spend too much time on outside activities and not enough on studying. It’s true that organi- zations need as much time as the members can spare, but this time wouldn’t be usually used for studying anyway. It is noticeable that in every class, the students who earn the highest marks are generally active in ex- tra-curricular activities too. Perhaps one reason why good marks and interest in outside activities often go to- gether, is that a person actually learns use- ful material which aids his classwork. This is especially true of a science, social studies, or a language club. Also each member of any organization is eventually put on a com- mittee, and is expected to accomplish some- thing and report his findings. Work in com- mittees develops responsibility and the ability to cooperate with others. The leaders in any city or community are those people with poise and confidence in themselves. The best way to practice these attributes is in high school where ev- eryone knows you. Sometimes, in getting to know a member, other teenagers seem cruel by making it no secret just what they think of him. If this is taken in the right light however, anyone can improve his personality by noticing things which others do not seem to like. It is through meeting people in ac- tivities that shy persons become more con- fident and it is here that leaders are devel- oped. Canastota appears to have more activi- ties and facilities than do most larger schools, so why doesn’t everyone use them ? It is cer- tainly fun to meet with a group of people your own age. It’s true too, that outside ac- tivities can raise marks, and improve the members’ personalities, something in which everyone is interested. The most important reason, however, is that everyone will join something in the future. Perhaps, it will be a union, the Civic Club, a grower’s associa- tion, PTA, or a religious group, but what- ever it is, we will be called upon to partici- pate. Since high school is training us for life, it seems to me that not only should a person’s knowledge be considered, but also his ability to handle himself in any situation. Many times have I heard an adult say, “I wish I could conduct a meeting”, or “I didn’t know how to make that suggestion”. You will hear seniors say, “Why didn’t I join the Photo Club, or Band, or Dramatic Club” and “I wish I’d gone out for basket- ball,” but they can’t do anything about it now. So, Freshmen, and other underclass- men, it isn’t too late for you... .let’s all join an organization and make the school spirit in our town something to be really proud of. —KAY FRANCES SCHEPP page four

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FACULTY Front Ilow: L Powers, A. Clines, R. Brooks, M. Mero, C. Patterson, G. Daniels, M. Schroth. Second Row: M. Grilli, M. Blessing, J. Gobillot, F. Furfaro, K. Mackey, II. Martin, M. Mahoney. Third Row: L. Wright, D. R. McLean, W. Clifford, C. Coutant, J. Pad ug. Thanks to Mr. Clifford for so smoothly running the school system in spite of all the hindrances which confronted him. Thanks to Mr. McLean for always being willing to give us counsel or advice when we were in doubt. Thanks to Miss Daniels for singly guid- ing us through four hectic years, and thanks also for teaching us so well the principles of science and mathematics. Thanks to Miss Clines for preparing us to face the world talking as intelligent peo- ple should. Thanks to Mr. Padgug for so ably di- recting the plays, and for wresting our greatest talents from us. Thanks to Miss Powers for her guidance and help when we were so baffled by voca- tions and future plans. Thanks to Mr. Sharpe for being so help- ful with photography, and for being so pa- tient when he looked through a camera at our faces. Thanks to Miss Martin for allowing us seniors to use her library as a “rumpus room” and a social hall. Thanks to Mr. Coutant for being so tolerant and understanding when the treas- urer’s books would not balance with his. Thanks to Mrs. Mero for finally getting boys to sing, and for discovering some really fine voices. page six